As the mighty Bhārgava, blazing like fire and radiating a formidable presence, approached, the sages led by Vasiṣṭha—dedicated to recitation and sacrifice—gathered together. The ascetics, seeing this awe-inspiring figure, whispered among themselves, wondering if, angered by his father’s killing, he might once more destroy the warrior class. Yet, they reassured each other: Bhārgava’s previous wrath had been spent in the annihilation of the warriors, and now his anger and fever had subsided; he did not intend to repeat such destruction. Having spoken thus, the sages prepared offerings and addressed Bhārgava, whose appearance was terrifying, with gentle words, calling, “Rāma, Rāma!” Receiving this respectful greeting, the powerful Rāma, son of Jamadagni, turned to Rāma, son of Daśaratha, and spoke. “O Rāma, son of Daśaratha, valiant one, your extraordinary prowess is widely renowned,” Bhārgava began. “I have heard in detail of your breaking the bow. That wondrous and inconceivable feat compelled me to come here, bearing another auspicious bow. Before you stands the formidable bow of Jāmadagnya; string it with an arrow and demonstrate your strength. When I have witnessed your skill in stringing even this mighty bow, I shall grant you a duel, for I wish to test your celebrated valor.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha grew anxious. His face downcast, he joined his palms and pleaded, “You, Bhārgava, having calmed your wrath against the warrior class and being a great ascetic among Brāhmaṇas, ought to grant safety to my young sons. Born in the Bhārgava lineage, devoted to study and vows, you pledged before Indra and cast aside your weapons. Embracing righteousness, you gave the earth to Kaśyapa and retired to live on Mahendra. O great sage, if you have come for our destruction, know that if Rāma alone is slain, none of us could continue to live.” But Bhārgava, mighty and resolute, disregarded Daśaratha’s words and addressed only Rāma. “Here are two excellent, divine bows, honored by all the worlds—strong, powerful, and skillfully crafted by Viśvakarman. One was given by the gods to Tryambaka for battle, and it is the one you broke, O descendant of Kakutstha, destroyer of Tripura. The second, unconquerable bow was given to Viṣṇu by the best of the gods; this is the Vaiṣṇava bow, O Rāma, conqueror of enemy cities. This bow is equal in essence to the Rudra bow. At one time, all the gods questioned the Grandfather, seeking to discern the relative strength and weakness of Śiva and Viṣṇu. Understanding their intent, the Grandfather caused enmity between these two foremost among the truthful, and a great, hair-raising battle ensued. In that conflict, Śiva and Viṣṇu each sought victory over the other. The terrifying Śiva bow was drawn forth, and Mahādeva, the three-eyed one, was halted by a mighty roar. At that moment, the gods, sages, and celestial beings assembled. The two supreme deities, entreated for peace, departed, and the gods, seeing the bow of Śiva strained by Viṣṇu’s prowess, considered Viṣṇu to be superior. Yet Rudra, illustrious and enraged, among the Videhas, gave the bow and its arrows to King Devarāta, the royal sage. And this bow of Viṣṇu, O Rāma, is the conqueror of enemy cities. Viṣṇu entrusted the excellent bow to Ṛcīka Bhārgava, who in turn gave it to his son, unmatched in deeds. My father gave the divine bow to Jamadagni, the great-souled one, when he laid down his weapons. Arjuna, acting with ordinary intelligence, caused death; hearing of his father’s cruel and improper killing, I, in anger, repeatedly destroyed the warrior class. Having gained the entire earth, I gave it as a sacrificial gift to Kaśyapa at the end of the sacrifice, as a reward for virtuous deeds. Afterwards, I dwelt at Mahendra, endowed with ascetic power. But upon hearing of the breaking of the bow, I came here swiftly. Thus, O Rāma, this great bow of Viṣṇu has come down from father to grandfather. Honoring the warrior’s duty, take up this excellent bow. Fit the conquering arrow to the best of bows; if you are able, O descendant of Kakutstha, then I will grant you a duel.” Listening respectfully to Bhārgava’s words, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, first spoke to his father and then to Bhārgava. “O Bhārgava, I have heard of your deeds and we honor you, O Brahman, for you have fulfilled your father’s debt. Yet you regard me as powerless, lacking in valor and unable to uphold the warrior’s duty. Behold my prowess today.” So saying, Rāghava, angered, took the mighty weapon of Bhārgava and the arrow from his hand, swift in valor. Rāma fitted the bow and made the arrow ready; then, with righteous anger, Rāma spoke these words to Jāmadagnya.